Space Safety and EcoDesign Engineer

Vacancy in the Directorate of Operations.

ESA is an equal opportunity employer, committed to achieving diversity within the workforce and creating an inclusive working environment. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, beliefs, age, disability or other characteristics. Applications from women are encouraged.

This post is classified A2-A4 on the Coordinated Organisations’ salary scale.

Location ESOC, Darmstadt, Germany

Description

The ESA Space Safety Office through the S2P/COSMIC activities, coordinates the development of projects and frameworks to promote sustainable European space activities. Building upon a strong relation with User Programmes, the Clean Space Office coordinates the definition and implementation of strategies, standards and projects, in the areas of EcoDesign, Zero Debris and In-Orbit Servicing. Furthermore, it fosters the implementation of these approaches within ESA projects as well as capacity building internally and through partnership. The Office is the focal point for the development of EcoDesign and Space Debris Mitigation projects such as Zero Debris compliant platforms or the Deorbit Kit, and foster the development of a circular economy in space. As Space Safety and EcoDesign Engineer, you will lead the development of sustainability domains, define and implement projects, coordinate strategic discussions and working groups with internal and external partners and coordinate technical support to missions. You will support the Clean Space Lead Engineer, within the Space Safety Programme Office, Directorate of Operations.

Duties

Your tasks and responsibilities will include:

• acting as a focal point on EcoDesign within ESA and coordinating technical support to ESA projects in this area;
• leading the working groups for the evolution and simplification of the LCA framework in coordination with projects, industry, and technical support;
• coordinating activities on the evolution of European spacecraft platforms in compliance with the Zero Debris approach and in collaboration with User Programmes;
• project management, definition and implementation of strategic S2P COSMIC projects and activities in line with the Space Safety Programme workplans and Clean Space office goals;
• coordinating multidisciplinary TEC support for the implementation of the office projects/objectives;
• representing the Office in the development of frameworks, handbooks and standards;
• supporting projects and corporate reviews in the areas of EcoDesign and Zero Debris;
• facilitating exchanges and coordination with external partners and representing ESA in relevant forums for the Agency's sustainability objectives.

Technical competencies

5+ years’ experience in space system engineering and in space eco-design

General background and specific experience in the technical domains covered by the position

Knowledge of ESA and industrial development, verification and procurement processes

Management of industrial activities including activities at system level and project reviews

Experience with space sustainability and EcoDesign applied to space systems

Knowledge of space systems, space debris mitigation/remediation and EcoDesign including relevant standards and implementation

Behavioural competencies

Result Orientation Operational Efficiency Fostering Cooperation Relationship Management Continuous Improvement Forward Thinking

Education

A Master's degree in aerospace engineering is required for this post.

Other information

For behavioural competencies expected from ESA staff in general, please refer to the ESA Competency Framework.

For further information please visit: Professionals, What we offer and FAQ

The working languages of the Agency are English and French. A good knowledge of one of these is required. Knowledge of another Member State language would be an asset.

The Agency may require applicants to undergo selection tests.

At the Agency we value diversity and we welcome people with disabilities. Whenever possible, we seek to accommodate individuals with disabilities by providing the necessary support at the workplace. The Human Resources Department can also provide assistance during the recruitment process. If you would like to discuss this further please contact us email contact.human.resources@esa.int.

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Please note that applications are only considered from nationals of one of the following States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Canada, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Slovenia.

According to the ESA Convention, the recruitment of staff must take into account an adequate distribution of posts among nationals of the ESA Member States*. When short-listing for an interview, priority will first be given to internal candidates and secondly to external candidates from under-represented Member States*.

In accordance with the European Space Agency’s security procedures and as part of the selection process, successful candidates will be required to undergo basic screening before appointment conducted by an external background screening service.

In principle, recruitment will be within the advertised grade band (A2-A4). However, if the selected candidate has less than four years of relevant professional experience following the completion of the master’s degree, the position may be filled at A1 level.

*Member States, Associate Members or Cooperating States.